The Aztecs (9-1) have been performing up to expectations this season. The only loss on San Diego State’s resume came on Oct. 1 on the road at South Alabama, 42-24. Since then, the Aztecs have ripped through their opponents, compiling six straight victories over the likes of UNLV, Fresno State, San Jose State, Utah State, Hawaii and Nevada. Rocky Long’s team sits in first place in the Mountain West’s West division.

And in first place in the Mountain division sits Wyoming (7-3). The Cowboys were riding a five-game winning streak, having picked up wins over Colorado State, Air Force, Nevada, Boise State and Utah State. However, last weekend, Wyoming went on the road to UNLV and lost in a triple-overtime battle with the Rebels, 69-66.

The all-time series between San Diego State and Wyoming is narrow, but it does favor the Cowboys, 18-17. However, the Aztecs have taken the last two meetings, including last year’s matchup in San Diego, 38-3.

What To Know About San Diego State

In the 46-16 win over Nevada, the Aztecs got a solid effort from Christian Chapman. He completed 11-of-16 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns. He hooked up with Mikah Holder for one of those scores, and Holder ended up with four catches for 45 yards. The other touchdown went to David Wells, who had two receptions for 35 yards.

On the ground, San Diego State got monstrous games from both of its tailbacks. The usual suspect, who gashes defenses on a regular basis, Donnel Pumphrey torched the Wolf Pack for 198 rushing yards and a touchdown on 26 touches. But he was outdone by Rashaad Penny, who exploded for 208 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Juwan Washington also found his way into the end zone, as he took five carries for 70 yards.

What to Know About Wyoming

The Cowboys got a decent performance from Josh Allen, but it wasn’t good enough to get the win over UNLV. Allen connected on 14-of-31 passes for 334 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Three of those touchdowns went to Tanner Gentry, who dropped a few jaws with the kinds of catches he was making. Gentry finished with five catches for 184 yards. But Jacob Hollister got in on the action, too. He finished with four receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown.

Brian Hill took care of things in the running game for Wyoming. He was given 23 carries, and he took off for 119 yards and three rushing touchdowns. No other Cowboy scored via the ground game, though Allen did finish with 32 rushing yards on eight carries.

Advantages

Offense: San Diego State – Pumphrey and Penny are deadly, and Wyoming can’t match that firepower.

Special Teams: San Diego State – Penny is solid in the return game, and John Baron II has hit on 14-of-16 field goals. His longest field goal this season has been from 50 yards out.

Coaching: San Diego State – Rocky Long’s team is the defending conference champs — nothing else need be said.

Matchup To Watch

Donnel Pumphrey and Rashaad Penny vs. Brian Hill

Wyoming needs a huge, gigantic, monstrous game from Hill in this one. It’s highly unlikely the Cowboys can bottle up Pumphrey, but Penny playing well spells trouble for Craig Bohl’s team. San Diego State’s tailbacks are going to go off and tip toe the end zone a few times in this one. Hill will definitely get the touches, and he’ll need to burst out of the backfield for more than 150 yards and a few rushing touchdowns.

Betting Odds

Spread: San Diego State -10Over/Under: 60

San Diego State vs. Wyoming Prediction

Get your popcorn, folks. The Donnel Pumphrey Show just added a new member to the cast, and his name is Rashaad Penny. They’ll both go off against Wyoming and will combine for 300-plus rushing yards yet again. Both will find the end zone multiple times, and Chapman will do his part in the process as well. San Diego State is going to build up a halftime lead easily. Allen will do what he can, but he won’t be able to provide enough help for Hill to make a comeback. The Aztecs win.

San Diego State vs. Wyoming Score Prediction: San Diego State 48, Wyoming 31